Jahazi House is one of a group of exclusive and secluded private homes set on Kizingoni Beach, on the beautiful island of Lamu off the Kenyan coast. Each house sleeps at least eight guests and is fully catered.All the houses are characterised by exquisite taste and an outstanding setting, a perfect retreat for total privacy and relaxation for families of groups of friends.

Jahazi House, named after the historical large trading dhows that brought Lamu its trading wealth, stands right on the edge of the Indian Ocean on two acres of garden. From the first floor makuti-covered veranda you can watch the dhows come and go, collecting sand and delivering coral blocks and fish. The house is built of coral block plastered in the local neru finish, tinted a soft ochre yellow. The house has been designed along traditional lines around an inner courtyard, which holds a very private swimming pool, cooling the public rooms and bedrooms.

On the ground floor there is a reception and dining area leading out to a wrap-around front veranda, sitting right on the beach. The boat moorings are immediately in front. The four bedrooms are all accessed from the inner courtyard and are simply furnished with ensuite shower rooms and their own private verandas. The verandas have a work desk, occasional table and chairs and a traditional Lamu day bed. There is a guest/pool changing room and a covered baraza area behind the pool that can also be used for sleeping.

The roof is one huge terrace, partially covered with makuti to provide a shaded bar, eating and sitting area. There is a separate small covered massage room with trellised walls at the back of the building. A private boat and captain allow you to explore the area’s marine life with ease. A private chef completes the holiday experience.

Location and seasons

The house is on Kizingoni Beach at the southern tip of Lamu Island.

Kenya’s north coast, one of her most popular beach holiday destinations, offers clear blue sea, marine parks, excellent water sports, coral reefs, monsoon winds, numerous hotels and beach resorts, family vacations, sun n sand, cultural and beach travel and more. Close to Mombasa, it is also within easy reach of Malindi, Lamu, Diani and many other popular Kenya safari resort hotels.

Accommodation

The four bedrooms are all accessed from the inner courtyard and are simply furnished with ensuite shower rooms and their own private verandas. The verandas have a work desk, occasional table and chairs and a traditional Lamu day bed.

Dining and bars

The house offers a number of dining spaces including the roof top terrace, around the pool and in the gardens. The services of an accomplished chef are included in the cost. Drinks can be taken around the pool, on the roof-top or in the garden. There are also plenty of restaurants and bars in Lamu Town. 

Child-friendly

The house is exceptionally child-friendly and baby-sitting is available. 

What to see and do

Facilities Swimming pool, private boat

Free activities: Swimming, water-skiing, swimming with dolphins, fishing trips, wake boarding, trips to Lamu Town, picnic lunches on deserted beaches, sunset cruises on dhows. Fuel for the boat is charged additionally

Paid activities Deep-sea fishing, spa treatments, massage, boat fuel

Turtles lay their eggs on the beach where long walks are a joy. An idyllic climate cooled by the monsoon, the Swahili coast offers a daily average of 8 hours of sunshine, and the hot steamy climate is tempered by the monsoon winds: the south-easterly Kaskazi, which blows from April to October; and the north-easterly Kazi which blows from November to March.